Innes, who has been on the PPA Scotland committee since 2009, was elected to the role in January 2020 and has served as Deputy Chair for the past year. He succeeds Sally Hampton, Consumer Magazine Publisher at DC Thomson Media.

“I am thrilled to welcome John to the role and I know he will be a great champion for publishers across Scotland,” said PPA CEO Owen Meredith. “John has been a terrific supporter of the PPA and always brings enthusiasm and energy to the table. I very much look forward to working with him as the PPA strives to support members through the coming months and into the economic recovery as we, hopefully, put the pandemic behind us and focus on renewal and growth.”

He added: “I hope members will join us to welcome John as the new Chair at our PPA Scotland virtual Chairman’s Reception on January 21. More information and timings can be found on the PPA Scotland website.”

John began his career working on, and contributing to, a range of consumer magazines which have included Sight & Sound, Viz, Gardens Illustrated, Fortean Times and Wisden Cricket Monthly. He has worked in almost every discipline from production and web build to writing and publishing management. As Executive Director at Think, his team create digital content, email newsletters, print magazines and events for travel, health, savings, heritage, charity and financial organisations.

John said: “Scotland has a rich publishing heritage that extends from the Jam, Jute and Journalism of Dundee to the campaigning of The Big Issue, the political commentary of Holyrood magazine and all points in between. Today, as publishers are reinventing their business models for a post Covid world, the advice, support and networking provided by the PPA have never been more relevant. Sally Hampton has done an amazing job as Chair of PPA Scotland and I look forward to following in her illustrious footsteps.”

Sally Hampton added: “It has been a joy and a privilege to serve as Chair of PPA Scotland. Throughout the two years, my fellow Executive Committee members, Vice-chair, John Innes, and many colleagues within DC Thomson Media and other parts of the industry, have provided great ideas and good sense.

She added: “I'd like to especially thank all the hard-working team at PPA HQ, including CEO Owen Meredith and Laura Dunlop, who was Scottish Business Manager for much of my tenure. Of course, it's an absolute pleasure to hand the baton on to the aforementioned John Innes of Think Publishing as our incoming Chair. John has a wealth of knowledge and expertise – and a determination to ensure our industry and all the people within it thrive. I can't wait to see what exciting new developments emerge under his watch.”